Trust is a fundamental aspect of human relationships. It is the foundation upon which we build our relationships with others. When we trust someone, we believe that they will act in our best interest and keep our secrets safe. However, when someone betrays our trust, it can cause significant damage to the relationship. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of betraying someone’s trust.
Definitions
To betray someone’s trust means to break a promise or agreement that you made with them. It involves breaking the confidence that someone has placed in you and can take many forms, including lying, cheating, stealing, or revealing confidential information.
Origin
The word “betray” comes from the Old French word “trahir,” which means “to betray, deceive, or cheat.” It has been in use since the 13th century and has its roots in the Latin word “tradere,” which means “to hand over or deliver.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, to betray someone’s trust means “to be disloyal or unfaithful to someone who has placed their trust in you.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to fail to keep a promise or agreement, to reveal secrets, or to be unfaithful.”
Associations
Betraying someone’s trust can have serious consequences. It can damage relationships, lead to feelings of betrayal, anger, and hurt. It can also result in the loss of trust, which can be difficult to regain.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for betraying someone’s trust include deceive, cheat, mislead, break faith, double-cross, and sell out.
Antonyms
Antonyms for betraying someone’s trust include keep faith, be loyal, honor commitments, keep secrets, and be trustworthy.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as betray include traitor, treason, treacherous, and treachery.
Example Sentences
- He betrayed my trust by sharing my personal information with others.
- She felt betrayed when her friend lied to her.
- The company’s CEO was accused of betraying the trust of its shareholders.
- I can’t believe he would betray his own family like that.
Betraying someone’s trust is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. It involves breaking a promise or agreement that you made with someone and can result in the loss of trust and damage to the relationship. It is important to be honest and trustworthy in all our relationships to avoid betraying someone’s trust.